Waco is known for its small-town charm, but it also has some really fun attractions, making it a perfect destination for families. From interactive museums, to exciting outdoor activities, Waco has something for every family member. Our family really appreciated the slower pace in Waco and the friendly service we experienced along the way. We hope you enjoy our Waco Texas Family Travel Guide with all of the top things to do, see, and eat with kids.
Ready for a family road trip? Check out our road trip ideas.
Must Stay in Waco
While there are some really great hotels in Waco Texas, we think that we found a real gem on our recent visit. Proximity to the major attractions and walkability is our number one priority when visiting a new city. Here’s a couple of the best family hotels to stay in Waco Texas.
Pivovar Hotel
Looking for something out of the ordinary, we decided to stay at the Pivovar Hotel. Pivovar is a unique boutique hotel that’s also a Czech-style restaurant and brewery, which is such a cool idea. Kids really loved the novelty of the hotel’s unique decor, from copper bath tubs to the many antiques throughout the property. The hotel features spacious rooms, perfect for families and a revitalizing beer spa on each floor that are perfect for the adults to unwind after a long day of exploring Waco.
Pivovar Hotel overlooks the Silos of the Magnolia Market and offers such easy access to the market and all of downtown Waco’s top attractions, like the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Downtown Farmer’s Market. It’s so nice having a home base that you can pop back into throughout the day as you get too hot or too tired and need a break. Pivovar’s Restaurant is also a great place to relax, serving great beers and a mixed menu combining European and Texan flavors.
Book your stay at Pivovar HERE
Hotel 1928
Another option that we heard great things about, is Hotel 1928. Hotel 1928 is a historic hotel with a great story and offers more of a luxury hotel experience. Designed in the style of an early twentieth-century Moorish Revival lodge, Hotel 1928 has always been a place for gathering. The hotel’s ambiance is a throwback to simpler times, providing a peaceful retreat after sightseeing around Waco.
Search for other great Hotels in Waco HERE
Must Do in Waco
There’s actually much more to do in Waco than we expected. Our kids were pleasantly surprised by the amount of fun activities that we got to do while we were there. Here’s our favorite things to do in Waco Texas for kids and families.
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Visiting Waco with kids wouldn’t be complete without spending time at the Magnolia Market. Magnolia Market offers a mix of shopping, dining, and wide open spaces where kids can run around and explore. One of our absolute favorite spaces is the Katy Ballpark, which is a miniature version of the original Katy Park used by the Waco Cubs minor league baseball team. Our girls played whiffle ball here several times on our trip and it was certainly one of the highlights of our time at Magnolia Market.
Family Tip: The market can get busy at peak times, so visiting early in the day is ideal to avoid crowds and the heat of the day. There’s also a smaller play area for children to enjoy when its les crowded.
Waco Surf
Waco Surf is an adventure water park that offers surfing, wakeboarding, a lazy river, and multiple wedge water slides, making it a hit with kids and teens. It’s such a great way to cool off and have some fun in the sun with your family for those warmer days. Waco Surf offers activities for all ages, from toddler-friendly swimming areas to wedge slides and wakeboarding for the older kids. Waco Surf also has a hotel onsite for families that are looking to make this the home base for their family adventures.
Dr. Pepper Museum
Located just down the street from the Silos, is the original bottling plant of Dr Pepper. This historic Waco building is now the Dr Pepper Museum, where kids can make a soda, taste a soda, and be a part of the extreme pepper experience! Dr. Pepper Museum also offers daily Liquid Lab demonstrations, where kids can check out the science of soda pop, which is free with general admission. Be sure to visit the Soda Fountain to get your Free Dr. Pepper or even upgrade to a Dr. Pepper float.
Check out other fun things to do in Waco HERE
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Must Eat in Waco
It was no surprise that Waco offered some really excellent food choices. We had some of our best breakfasts and lunches in Waco for sure. Here’s the places that stood out the most for our family.
Check out some of our own breakfast ideas HERE
Magnolia Table
Magnolia Table is a popular spot for breakfast, offering a menu full of Southern favorites made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting, with plenty of options for the whole family. Our favorites were the homemade buttermilk biscuits with strawberry butter, the classic deviled eggs with brown sugar peppered bacon and homemade jalapeño jam, and the chocolate chip pancakes.
George’s Restaurant
George’s is a Waco staple known for its casual, welcoming vibe and hearty portions. It’s the perfect place to experience Texas comfort food with friends and family. The menu features a wide range of kid-friendly options, like Little “O” Dippers and French toast for breakfast, and Mini corn dogs and Steak fingers for lunch or dinner. George’s has been a Waco tradition since 1930 and a great place for families.
Heritage Creamery
After a day of exploring, treat the family to some homemade ice cream at Heritage Creamery. Their small-batch ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients and comes in a variety of fun flavors. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a cone while the kids play nearby. They also offer dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
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Must See in Waco
Along with all the fun things to do in Waco, are also some really awesome things to see. All off the parks and museums on Waco are super kid-friendly, which really did it for our family. Here’s our favorite things to see in Waco Texas.
Cameron Park Zoo
Cameron Park Zoo is nestled in the heart of Cameron Park and offers a natural setting for its animal exhibits. It’s a moderate size, which makes it easy to explore in a few hours without overwhelming younger children. Cameron Park Zoo features a splash pad for kids to cool off, along with a variety of interactive exhibits that engage children and adults alike.
Mayborn Museum
Located on the nearby Baylor University campus, the Mayborn Museum offers hands-on exhibits that are perfect for curious kids. The museum’s natural and cultural history exhibits are engaging for all ages. Mayborn Museum has dedicated children’s areas and interactive displays, which provides both educational and fun experiences for all of its visitors.
Cameron Park
Cameron Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas, offering hiking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy nature and let the kids burn off some energy. The park is stroller-friendly, and families can enjoy activities like disc golf, mountain biking, or simply taking in the scenic views of the Brazos River.
What to Know About Waco
Small and Walkable Downtown
Waco is relatively small, and many attractions are close to each other, making it easy to navigate by car or even on foot in most of downtown and the Silos.
Cool Local Transportation
Waco Trolley provides free transportation around the downtown area, making it easy for families to explore without worrying about parking. They also offer a fun mural tour for those interested in seeing local art.
Best Time to Visit for Families
Spring and Fall are certainly the best times to visit Waco with your family, as the weather is much more pleasant, but many outdoor activities are at their peak. Summers can be very hot, so plan indoor activities like the Mayborn and Dr Pepper Museums during the hottest parts of the day.
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